London-based Sikh is untested but hugely popular

Edited Press Release: With Amir Khan having been exposed, untested featherweight Akaash Bhatia is trying to lay claim to the title of the best prospect in the U.K. He will fight at London's York Hall on Friday, October 17, 2008 in support of the Ian Napa vs. Carmelo Ballone European bantamweight title bout. Bhatia only had a brief amateur career but still managed to make it to the ABA featherweight finals in 2006, losing only a close contest to eventual Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Stephen Smith. Bhatia promptly turned pro just two months later. Since that time, Bhatia has been kept busy by promoter Frank Maloney, rarely going more than three months between bouts but still found the time to win the Sony Entertainment Television Asia Sports Personality of the Year Award in 2007, an achievement that exploded the 25 year old's popularity in his native Sikh community of London. Bhatia, 12-0 with 3 KOs, has not fought anyone of note yet and his opponent for next week has not been announced. His opponents this year had a combined record of 22-75-4. Tickets are are available at www.frankmaloney.com. Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS1 starting at 9:30pm.